Augusta, GA

Augusta schools tentatively staying open despite incoming Tropical Storm Debby

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

Augusta schools tentatively staying open despite incoming Tropical Storm Debby

Several public school systems around Georgia have closed due to Tropical Storm Debby. But, Augusta’s doesn’t seem to be among them.

Richmond County School System said via news release that, after monitoring weather conditions and communicating with local and regional emergency officials, they decided to operate schools normally Tuesday. Further updates and any changes necessary will be announced at the earliest possibility.

Aiken County Public Schools made a similar announcement, saying they continue to closely monitor the storm and will announce updates as they become available.

Columbia County School District has not announced any changes to its schedules.

Georgia power outage map: See where the power is out as Hurricane Debby nears

Burke County Public School Systemannounced Monday that all schools and departments will be closed on Tuesday. No employees, including 12-month personnel, are required to report to work. Students are being provided with Learn from Home materials and the nutrition department will send home a meal for Tuesday with each student.

Tropical Storm Debby is currently flooding many parts of Florida. There is a storm surge warning in effect for the Georgia and South Carolina coast from St. Mary’s River to South Santee River, according to the National Hurricane Center. Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service is forecasting showers and thunderstorms every day through Saturday across the Augusta area. The center of Debby will move across southeastern Georgia Monday night and Tuesday, moving offshore of the South Carolina coast by late Tuesday and Wednesday.

Stay tuned for further updates from Augusta-area public schools.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

3 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

15 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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